Waiting on Wednesday: Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Hi everyone!
I haven't done one of these in a long time, but am thrilled to share a book I'm super excited about, Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody!

Goodreads Book Description: Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.
***

Doesn't that sound fantastic? I love the premise. I just finished the Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom duology and loved it, so this sounds right up my alley!

I'm lucky enough to be on one of the Ace of Shades Street Teams to help promote the book, so root for our team, The ScarHands, Gang of Smugglers! #AceofShades #Scars


Don't forget to pre-order the book! Here are the details! https://twitter.com/AmandaFoody/status/951105255734947840

Waiting on Wednesday: Control by Lydia Kang

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

I just happened to see this book on twitter, and when I found out that Lydia Kang was a doctor and this was a YA medical thriller, I knew I had to get my hands on it!

Goodreads Book Description: Set in 2150 -- in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms -- this is about the human genetic "mistakes" that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

When their overprotective father is killed in a terrible accident, Zel and her younger sister, Dylia, are lost in grief. But it's not until strangers appear, using bizarre sensory weapons, that the life they had is truly eviscerated. Zel ends up in a safe house for teens that aren't like any she's ever seen -- teens who, by law, shouldn't even exist. One of them -- an angry tattooed boy haunted by tragedy -- can help Zel reunite with her sister.

But only if she is willing to lose him.

Why I Am Excited: YA Medical thrillers are hard to come by, and they are even more difficult to be done right-- we have a medical professional foraying into this realm, and I have an inkling this is going to become a blockbuster.

Why I Am Worried: It's always nervewracking for someone who loves good science in fiction to read a book like this, but I think the fact that she has a medical background will be invaluable to the world building in this book.

What are you waiting for?  

Waiting on Wednesday: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

I was wondering what Kendare was up to after the Anna series was over! I guess now I know! I am so excited to get my hands on this book.

Goodreads Book Description: Old Gods never die…

Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.

Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god.

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning.

Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out.

Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

The Goddess War is about to begin.

 Why I Am excited: How awesome does this book sound? With all the goriness that we loved from Anna, along with some intriguing characters and world building, wow!

Why I am Worried: I just hope that the references to the ancient Olympians amplify the book and not detract from it. I'm not too worried though, Kendare definitely has the chops to pull this off!

What are you waiting for? Also, check out my giveaways-- I have tons! :-)

Waiting on Wednesday: Pivot Point

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Goodreads Book Description: Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

Why I am excited: This premise sounds so interesting and one that hasn't been done yet. It reminds me of the movie Sliding Doors, which I loved.

Why I Am Worried: Dealing with alternate futures is littered with many traps. I hope that West is able to maneuver through those and still come up with a feasible book that brings all the stories together.

What are you waiting for? 

Enter some great giveaways!
Current Giveaways
1. Young Adult Faeries and Fantasy Giveaway Hop, Featuring Ellen Oh, author of Prophecy and Giveaway of Signed hard back copy of Prophecy, Korean cell phone charm and bookmark (US only), 1/7/13-1/15/13
Prophecy Giveaway

2. Bad Boys Rehab Giveaway Hop, Featuring Jason from Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock, giveaway of signed book and bookplates,  (INT) 1/10-1/18
Hemlock Giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday: The Essence by Kimberly Derting

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Goodreads Book Description: “Danger, dread, mystery, and romance” (Booklist) continue in the second book of The Pledge trilogy, as Charlie’s reign is under siege from the most unusual of enemies.

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

Expected publication: Jan 1, 2013

Why I Am Excited: I just recently finished The Pledge, which I thought was a great book with some terrific twists. Now that Charlie is the queen, but the previous evil Queen's Essence is not totally banished, it's going to be interesting to see how that plays out. Not to mention how Xander and Max play into her life.

Why I am Worried: Second books are tough. We are going to see Charlie's world expand way bigger than it ever has been before and she is going to have to deal with other monarchs from other Queendoms. To keep us grounded in the characters and yet widen the scope will be a good challenge for Derting.

What are you waiting for?

Enter some great giveaways!
1. Interview and Giveaway with Tracy Rozzlynn, author of the Fast-Tracked and Verita trilogies, Two Sets of Fast-tracked (first two books), Two sets of Verita Trilogies (first two books) OR $25 Amazon GC
Verita and Fast Tracked Giveaway

2. Interview with Eric Gale and giveaway of signed ARC of The Bully Book (INT)
Bully Book Giveaway

3. Interview and Giveaway of dystopian YA novel, There Comes A Prophet by David Litwack, US/Canada giveaway of paperback of his book
There Comes a Prophet giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday: Belladonna by Fiona Paul

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

I just finished reading an ARC of Belladonna (Venom #2) by Fiona Paul, and it's amazing. I loved it even more than the first one! So I had to gush and gush about it to all of you to get you to read this terrific book when it comes out in July 2013.

Goodreads Book description: The second book in the Secrets of the Eternal Rose trilogy.

Cassandra follows a trail of clues about the mysterious Order of the Eternal Rose to Florence. There she runs into a few familiar faces, including Falco, who is now working for a nine-fingered woman known as Belladonna. When Cass discovers Belladonna is involved in the Order, she won’t rest until she discovers the shadowy society’s true purpose, knowledge that will put her—and everyone she loves—in terrible danger.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review: I received this book from Fiona Paul last week in exchange for an honest review. It will be hard to express how amazing I think this book is-- it's everything I wanted the first to be, and Fiona Paul is blossoming as an author.

Belladonna is a thrilling follow up to Venom, and starts us a few weeks after Venom ends. Cass is still living with her aunt Agnese, engaged to the handsome and honorable Luca, but she is still head over heels for the dashing, young artist, Falco, that has left her to go pursue his art in Florence. After the intense events at the end of book one, Luca is now arrested in the first few pages of Belladonna, and Cass finds a way to make her way to Florence with her best friend Mada and her sweet and loyal maid, Siena, in order to save Luca's life. Along the way, she meets up with Falco and the enticing and creepily gorgeous Belladonna, and chaos breaks loose.

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. We are thrust right into the action, and the pace never lets up. We see Cass still as a spoiled young girl, but she has developed in the first book, and this one, she really starts to grow up and understand what love really means. We still get the gorgeous landscape of Venice and Florence and the wonderful historical details that Fiona is so good at getting right-- but it fades into the background as we get to know our characters better, get swept up in the plot, and wring our hands to make sure that everything turns out right. We also find out a lot more about The Order of the Eternal Rose, and a lot of the secrets that were still hanging from the first book get answered very satisfactorily. I generally don't like to become a Team anything, but I have to say, I have a bigger crush on Luca after this book than I had in the last. What can I say? I have a thing for the "other boring love interest." Although, I'm not sure anyone will say he's boring after reading Belladonna.

All my reservations from the first book have vanished with this new installment. I think some of it is the fact that I'm not a big fan of the necessary development of main characters and world building in general for first books, and also the fact that Fiona Paul is just getting better and better with every book and word she writes. I feel honored to have been able to read this book and can't wait to see how this trilogy ends.

I loved, loved, LOVED this book! You all must read it. I can't wait to buy a hard copy.

What are you waiting for this week? 

Current Giveaways
1. Interview and Giveaway with Tracy Rozzlynn, author of the Fast-Tracked and Verita trilogies, Two Sets of Fast-tracked (first two books), Two sets of Verita Trilogies (first two books) OR $25 Amazon GC
Verita and Fast Tracked Giveaway

2. US giveaway of 5 Elemental Bookmarks signed by Antony John
Elemental Bookmark Giveaway

3. Interview with Eric Gale and giveaway of signed ARC of The Bully Book (INT)
Bully Book Giveaway

4.  Book Lovers Giveaway Hop Featuring Rachel Harris, author of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, US giveaway of signed paperback and International giveaway of e-copy,12/4-10
Book Lovers Giveaway Hop

Waiting on Wednesday: Phoenix (Black City #2)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

I just fell in love with Black City by Elizabeth Richards, and now can't wait to see the next installment!

Goodreads Book Description: Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed.

The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle.

Why I'm Excited: The first book was really compelling, and I loved the characters. There were some wonderful twists that I want to follow up on.

Why I'm Worried: I'm actually not at all-- I think that Richards can only get better at this point. I hope the second book will be as good as the first! 

Current Giveaways
1. Interview and Giveaway prize pack of Beckoning Light and Perilous Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy (US only), 11/12
Afterglow Trilogy Giveaway

 2. Interview and Giveaway with Tracy Rozzlynn, author of the Fast-Tracked and Verita trilogies, Two Sets of Fast-tracked (first two books), Two sets of Verita Trilogies (first two books) OR $25 Amazon GC
Verita and Fast Tracked Giveaway

3. US giveaway of 5 Elemental Bookmarks signed by Antony John
Elemental Bookmark Giveaway

4. Interview with Eric Gale and giveaway of signed ARC of The Bully Book (INT)
Bully Book Giveaway
 

Waiting On Wednesday: Shades of Earth by Beth Revis

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

 

Goodreads Book Description:Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing. 

Why I'm Excited: I really enjoyed the first two books and have been waiting eagerly to see what Amy and Elder will find on this new planet. Beth Revis has a way of spinning a tale with lots of twists, so that's what I expect to see in this final installment

Why I Am Worried: Final books in a trilogy may be even harder than the second book. If an author has successfully written great two first books in a trilogy, the build up for the readers is almost too much to live up to. I want to see a sense of closure for these characters and the plot threads, some explosive twists, and a satisfying ending that rounds out the trilogy. I think that Revis has the chops to do it. 

Enter some great giveaways!

Current Giveaways
1. Interview and Giveaway with Clare Marshall, author of The Violet Fox, e-copy of The Violet Fox (INT)
Violet Fox Giveaway

2. Interview and Giveaway prize pack of Beckoning Light and Perilous Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy (US only), 11/12
Afterglow Trilogy Giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (17) Review of ARC Prophecy by Ellen Oh

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

So I'm cheating again this week because I just read another great ARC that I want to share with you all.

Goodreads Book Description: The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review:  I received this ARC from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.

Prophecy by Ellen Oh focuses on an unusual protagonist, Kira, the Demon Slayer. She is of royal heritage and has yellow eyes, which makes people shun her. At the same time, she is the only one that can see demons who are disguised in human form, and this makes her perfect to be the guardian of her cousin, the Prince. War breaks out in their land, and there are murmurings of a prophecy of the One that will save them all. Kira is determined to play her part in freeing her country and land from demon oppression.

There is so much to like about this book. Set in a Korean fantasy land-- the best way for me to describe it is a Mulan meets Graceling type of scenario. That said, Oh has created a brand new world for her characters to live and breathe in. I would say that the world building is the most impressive aspect of this book, and sets the stage nicely for the books to come. Kira is a very likeable protagonist, and I am intrigued to see what will become of her and the possible love triangle that has been hinted at.

That said, there are a couple of things that need to be worked out in future books. I feel like there is a little too much build up just for future adventures in this book and the middle drags a bit. However, the book does feel complete in the end. Also, the big "twist" in the book, didn't really feel like a twist, so I'm looking forward to more developments as the series continues.

Overall, a deliberate and intriguing start to a trilogy with gorgeous world building. Oh is just getting started, and I have a feeling she'll just get better with each book.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Also, tune in for an interview and Giveaway with Ellen Oh, going to be scheduled soon! :-)

Enter my dystopian Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, stop by and enter an international giveaway of a signed copy of IF I LIE by Corrine Jackson!
http://cahreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/part-i-corrine-jackson-interview-and.html 

Waiting On Wednesday (16)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

So I'm cheating a little bit today because I just finished reading an amazing ARC that I can't resist putting in a plug for.

Goodreads Book Description: This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.


My rating: 5 out of 5

My Review: I requested this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Splintered by A.G. Howard joins the ranks in recent YA lit in taking a beloved classic children's tale and bringing it into a more contemporary setting. Many others have failed. Howard does not. Splintered is a darkly inventive, Tim Burtonesque Wonderland adventure that introduces us to a wonderful protagonist, Alyssa, a descendent of Alice Liddell who inspired Carroll to write Alice in Wonderland. A mental illness seems to afflict all the female descendants of Alice, and Alyssa herself starts hearing insects and plants speak, something that her own mother is currently in a mental institution for. Along with her best friend, Jeb, she realizes the world is not what it seems and will travel far and do the unthinkable to save her mother's life.

I don't want to give away any secrets from this novel because it's a marvelous adventure from start to finish. I absolutely adored the protagonist. She is young and malleable, properly so for her age, but she learns and grows as the book progresses. The pacing is very well done as secrets are revealed at the right time and place. Jeb is a wonderful love interest-- a guy that anyone would be lucky to be with. Morpheus, on the other hand, is a great foil and counterpart to Jeb. We can see how he entices Alyssa, but at the same time, frightens her. I love how Howard doesn't slip into the usual mistake of making him two dimensional-- he is very well developed and we can see how he has become what he is, and how he is not beyond redemption. I also want to mention how terrific each detail of Wonderland is-- Howard knows the story well and inserts delightful detail to all of her twisted creations.

Overall, I was extremely impressed by this novel-- a darkly enticing tale that turns Wonderland on its head-- in a way that only respects and amplifies the original. Howard is definitely an author to watch. 

This should be on everyone's to read list. It's fantastic.

Just so you all know, I am going to host an interview with Morpheus, arguably the most fascinating character in the book in February with a kick butt giveaway of the book. Stay posted!

Until then, enter these giveaways!

1. International Giveaway of signed copy of If I Lie by Corrine Jackson OR Three swag packs!
IF I LIE giveaway

2. Spooktacular Giveaway Hop- $10 Amazon gift card/$10 towards a book from Book Depository (winner's choice)- INT
Spooktacular Giveaway hop

Waiting on Wednesday (15)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I am going to be a copycat, because I found someone's WoW, that looked so exciting, I have to take it for my own. I'm waiting for Mind Games by Kiersten White.

Goodreads Book Description: 
Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

Why I Am Excited: I love school books that deal with people with supernatural abilities. I also love books about sisters :-) AND psychological thrillers. So basically, a bunch of my favorite topics all wrapped into one.

Why I am Worried: This could all fall apart, if the characters aren't solid (we have to really care about the two sisters and believe in their relationship), and the pacing has to be pitch perfect in a psychological thriller. That said, this could be REALLY good.

What are you waiting for this week?

Don't forget to sign up for these awesome giveaways!
1. International Giveaway of Signed and personalized hard back copy of Venom by Fiona Paul
Venom Giveaway

2. International Giveaway of THREE Shardwell Prize Packs- Both books signed by both authors and swag OR $10 Amazon GC
Shardwell Giveaway

3. International Giveaway of either Incarnate or pre-order of Asunder by Jodi Meadows and a signed bookplate by the author. Two runner ups get signed bookplates by Jodi!
Incarnate Giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (14)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This book has already received rave reviews, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!


Goodreads Book Description: A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war

 
In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

Why Am I Excited: I love the combination between dystopian and paranormal fiction. If done right, it could be fantastic.

Why I am Worried: It sounds like the love story is the center of this story. Too often, the romance either doesn't ring true, or is too sappy and heavy. I hope that we care about these characters enough for this to be a strength, not a weakness of this novel.

Don't forget to sign up for my great giveaways!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

I'm a bit of a copycat this week because I learned about this book through this blog hop a few weeks ago!


Goodreads Book Description:  
Vanessa Adler isn’t so sure she really belongs at the School of American Ballet. But dance runs in her family. It’s been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Her grandmother and mother were prima ballerinas, and her older sister Margaret was, too. That is, until Margaret mysteriously disappeared from school three years ago. Vanessa is heir to the family’s gift and the only person who can fulfill her sister’s destiny. She has no choice.

But she never could have guessed how dangerous the school is. The infamous choreographer, Josef, isn’t just ruthless with his pupils, he guards a sinister secret, one in which the school’s dancers—prized for their beauty, grace, and discipline—become pawns in a world of dark, deadly demons.

Why I Am Excited: Look at this gorgeous cover! OK, I admit, I am susceptible to a nice cover here and there. Also, I LOVE ballet stories and shows. Add paranormal to it? I'm intrigued. Can't wait to see what Black does with this set up.

Why I Am Worried: I hope the ballet is authentic and the paranormal works in seamlessly. It could fall apart if these two aspects of the novel don't work together.

What are you waiting for this week?

Don't forget to enter these great giveaways!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Last week I just finished the wonderful IF I LIE by Corrine Jackson (which everyone should read, by the way-- probably one of the best books I've read all year, and I've read a LOT). Stay posted, I will be hosting an interview and giveaway for IF I LIE in mid-October! Anyway, she is coming out with a paranormal YA novel soon, called Touched, and I'm really excited to get my hands on it!

Goodreads Book Description: Remy O’Malley heals people with touch—but every injury she cures becomes her own. Living in a household with an abusive stepfather, she has healed untold numbers of broken bones, burns,and bruises. And then one night her stepfather goes too far.

Being sent to live with her estranged father offers a clean start and she is eager to take it. Enter Asher Blackwell. Once a Protector of Healers, Asher sacrificed his senses to become immortal. Only by killing a Healer can a Protector recover their human senses. Falling in love is against the rules between these two enemies. Because Remy has the power to make Protectors human again, and when they find out, they’ll becoming for her—if Asher doesn’t kill her first.This is Book One in the Touched trilogy. 

Expected Publication Date: November 27, 2012

Why I am excited:  Corrine Jackson has proven her chops with the amazing, IF I LIE. Of course, my inclination is towards the paranormal/dystopian YA, so all my wishes were fulfilled when I heard about this book. I'm so excited to see what she does with it.

Why I am worried: This has nothing to do with Corrine. I think it's always a challenge to go from a single contemporary YA novel to a paranormal YA trilogy. There are a lot of different issues involved, but I think Corrine is completely up to it!

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Don't forget to sign up for these great giveaways! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I just finished the spectacular Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. I wrote a review of it and posted it yesterday. Today, I am posting about how excited I am about the sequel! Yay for continuity! :-) Who is totally excited to read Days of Blood and Starlight?


Goodreads Book Description: In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she’ll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.

Expected Publication:  November 6, 2012

Why I am Excited: Daughter of Smoke and Bone is one of the most unique books I have ever read. The characters, imagery, background and world building are just amazing, and I can't wait to continue Karou's journey in this next installment.

Why I Am Worried: It's hard to live up to such a terrific first book in a trilogy, especially when part of the reason it was so amazing was because it was so different than anything else I've read. That said, there are so many questions swirling in my head, and I know that Taylor has a lot more tricks up her sleeve!


Don't forget to enter these great giveaways!
International giveaway of:
1) 2 copies of Neverdark by C.S. Einfeld
2) 1 signed copy of Neverdark from both author and illustrator
3) 1 copy of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
CS Einfeld Giveaway

Prize pack giveaway (US only) of ALL FOUR of Antony John's books signed (Five Flavors of Dumb, Busted, Thou Shalt Not Road Trip, and the unreleased YA dystopian, Elemental)
Antony John Giveaway

The Back to School Blog Hop:
Win either a hard back signed copy of Insignia OR a $10 Amazon GC (Winner's Choice!)-- US only.
Back to School Blog Hop

Waiting on Wednesday (10)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I just finished the wonderful Incarnate by Jodi Meadows. I have had this book on my radar for quite some time, but recent WoW posts have pushed this book higher on my list. Boy, am I glad I read it sooner. It's a terrific book. Because of how much I loved the first one, I am so excited about the followup, Asunder that is coming out in January. Just so you all know, Jodi Meadows has agreed to do an interview on my blog in the near future, so stay tuned!

Goodreads book Description:

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

Publication date: Jan 29, 2013 

Why I am excited: Um... More Sam? He's probably my favorite love interest in a long time. Finally, we have a terrific, interesting guy who doesn't have to be the bad boy that every teenaged protagonist seems to fall for. And more music scenes! I fell in love with him along with Ana. I also want to find out more about the mysteries that were revealed near the end-- I want some answers!

Why I am worried: Not really worried, actually. More just wondering what will happen next. Ana has a lot of growing to do, but she's getting there (and has two more books to do it in). Second books are hard, but Jodi Meadows has the chops to do it right.

Don't forget to enter these great giveaways!
1) Signed copy of Girl of nightmares by Kendare Blake
2) International: Signed copy of The Night of the Purple Moon by Scott Cramer OR Fear: A Gone Novel by Michael Grant
Giveaways

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

Updates: Take a look at my new Interview tab! That way it'll be easy for you all to see what some great authors are saying.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

One of my all time favorite reads this year was Everneath by Brodi Ashton. I loved the characters, I loved the world she built around these characters. With that intro, you will all be unsurprised at my choice for this week's WoW. Yes, it's the sequel, coming out next year, Everbound.



Goodreads Book Description: Two months ago, the Tunnels of the underworld came for Nikki Beckett. That night, Nikki's boyfriend, Jack, made the ultimate sacrifice. All Nikki wants is to save Jack before it's too late. All Cole wants is to find his queen - and he thinks Nikki is the one. Both determined, both desperate, Nikki and Cole form a tense alliance, leading them on a dangerous journey to The Heart of The Everneath.

Why I Am Excited: I can't wait to see where these characters are going-- Nikki, Jack, and Cole are all equally fascinating to me. This feat is difficult for an author to do-- to have a great villain (that admit it, we're kind of rooting for), a terrific female protagonist, and a great love interest. And look at this gorgeous cover. I can't wait!

Why I am Worried: Second books are always hard. It's rare that if the first book made a huge impact that the second is going to be just as good. But Ashton is so good, that I'm sure she's up to the challenge!

Don't forget to enter these great giveaways!
1. International Giveaway of Transcender First Timer OR entire hard back trilogy of Hunger Games
2. 500 follower giveaway (US only)
3. Signed copy of Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake (US only)
http://cahreviews.blogspot.com/p/giveaways.html

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

One of the first dystopian YA novels that I read post Hunger Games when I was craving for more was Matched by Ally Condie. Needless to say, I stuck around for the second book and am excited about the conclusion to the trilogy!



Goodreads Book Description:
Cassia faces the ultimate choices in the long-anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy

After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

In this gripping conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without

Why I am excited:  Cassia is a great protagonist and the world that Condie creates is fascinating-- and scarily, I can see how it might be a better world in some ways than ours (without all the killing of old people and such). It reminds me in bits of The Giver by Lois Lowry, one of the great dystopians.

Why I am worried: I never seem to be on the right side of love triangles. I've never really wanted her to be with Ky, although I can see the appeal. Xander, the boy she was originally matched with, seems like much the better catch (totally rooting for him). This society must be on to something-- I bet a lot of heartbreak could be avoided if people were matched in this way :-)

Don't forget to sign up for these two great giveaways!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

I'm very excited about my pick this week because it is a book written by one of my current favorite YA authors, Lauren Oliver. She is probably best known for her Delirium trilogy, of which we only have the third one left to go! My pick this week is Requiem, the final book in the Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver.


Goodreads book description: Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight. Of Pandemonium, ALA Booklist noted that “like all successful second volumes, this expands the world and ups the stakes, setting us up for the big finale.”

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

Why I am excited: I loved the second novel, Pandemonium, which focused on a more fierce and courageous Lena (which made her more interesting to follow), and we met a wonderful new character, Julian, who was everything I wanted Alex to be in the first book. I am thrilled we get to see Hana again, who was the most interesting character in the first book,and am glad to see she gets her own voice in the end.


Why I am worried: I didn't enjoy the first book as much because to me, it was too much development, and I didn't believe the premise. I thought Alex was a bland, boring love interest. This opinion is likely in the minority, and I think she'll probably end up with him, which to me, will be disappointing.


Don't forget to enter my two great giveaways: The First by Sara Zaske and my 300 followers giveaway!
http://cahreviews.blogspot.com/p/interviews-and-giveaways-current-and.html

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

 My choice this week has to do with an amazing book I just finished a few days ago, Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake. I am eagerly anticipating the sequel, Girl of Nightmares.

Goodreads Book Description: It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on. His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live--not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.

Why I am excited: I fell in love with the first book, which totally lives up to its hype.  I cannot wait to read the next installment.

Why I am worried: It's so hard to live up to a tremendous first book... but I believe that Blake is up to the challenge!

Update: I am so incredibly excited! Kendare Blake has agreed to do an interview. Stay tuned for it in September!

Don't forget to enter to win a signed bookmark and bracelet from Lisa Burstein, author of Pretty Amy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway